Understanding the predictors and consequences of homelessness in Northern Ireland

Background

The personal, social, health and economic costs of homelessness are significant. In 2017, the Northern Ireland Audit Office recommended that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) should expand its analysis, interpretation and presentation of the homelessness data it collects. This ‘deep dive’ type of analysis would improve understanding about the underlying drivers of homelessness and sources of regional variation, as well as providing evidence to inform strategic planning.

The NIHE holds sole statutory responsibility for providing housing and addressing homelessness including collating and publishing statistics related to homelessness. Data on homelessness in Northern Ireland appears to be relatively extensive and high in quality, potentially enabling a better understanding to be gained about the nature and extent of homelessness and associated problems in Northern Ireland compared to other European countries or regions. However, the data has not been used extensively with the aim of attempting to provide research evidence that will inform policy. More specifically, the data has never been linked to other administrative datasets to investigate possible preceding factors to, or long-term outcomes of, homelessness.   

Aims & key questions

This project aims to provide robust research evidence for policymakers, practitioners and the public about the causes and consequences of homelessness in Northern Ireland. The objectives of the project are:

1. To describe the trends in prevalence and risk factors for homelessness presentations
2. To explore mental health and mortality outcomes after homelessness presentation
3.  To examine the relationship between children’s social care contact and homelessness risk in Northern Ireland (NI).                            

Data

This Administrative Data Research Centre Northern Ireland (ADRC NI) study will analyse an anonymised, linked dataset that includes NIHE and health and social care data.

Potential

This study has the potential to increase our understanding about the characteristics, needs and outcomes of the homeless population in Northern Ireland. It is possible that the results may contribute to facilitating further cross-departmental integration and commitment to addressing the intersectional needs of individuals who present as homeless.

Updates

• A comprehensive Health & Homelessness Steering Group has been established and consulted on aims of the project and policy and practice context of study findings
• Regular workshops with Experts by Experience have been held which have informed this research project
• The first Data Insight related to this project has been published (with more to follow). This explores homelessness among young people leaving care in Northern Ireland
• Academic papers have been submitted for journal peer review and publication
• A report on the use of administrative data to explore children’s social care and homelessness in Northern Ireland is upcoming. 

Project details

Initial project lead: Professor Dermot O’Reilly *

Project leads: Dr Aideen Maguire & Dr Lisa Kent

Project team: Dr Sarah McKenna, Dr Linda Kirkpatrick & Dr Emma Ross

*Professor Dermot O’Reilly was the initial project lead for this study. Dermot died in October 2023 after a short period of illness. He was a dear friend and colleague and served as the Director of Administrative Data Research Centre Northern Ireland (ADRC NI) since 2014.

Funding: This project is funded by ADRC NI via its core grant from the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) via ADR UK.